A System of Rights

Rex Martin

A System of Rights

Rex Martin

Description

The justification of political authority is a long-standing issue of political philosophy, one which persistently defies solution. This book provides an original justification by establishing a framework for dealing with this problem. The model that emerges is one in which certain kinds of political rights are emphasized. Martin discusses the implications of such a system for democratic institutions, political allegiance, punishment, and ultimately for the nature of political authority.

A System of Rights

Rex Martin

Table of Contents

1. On the Logic of Justifying Political Authority2. The Concept of Rights3. Rights as Valid Claims4. Human Rights5. Civil Rights6. Democratic Institutions7. Democracy and Rights8. Allegiance and the Place of Civil Disobedience9. Justifying Coercion: The Problem of Punishment10. Modes of Punishment11. The Right of Inmates to Work12. A System of Rights13. Critical Justification

A System of Rights

Rex Martin

Reviews and Awards

"What makes Martin's book so trenchant is that it can be read with great profit from different points of view....The broad scope and provocative arguments of Martin's work assure that it will be a focal point in philosophically-oriented debate on rights."--Ratio Juris